Fan Artist Spotlight: kayardia

A big fan of Star Wars Rebels and part of the Blueberry movement on Tumblr (fans of Ezra Bridger), kayardia enjoys drawing what they love most: Star Wars. Having recently joined Tumblr earlier this year, kayardia supports and admires the work of fellow fan artists. Sharing a positive outlook on the animated series as well as art in general, kayardia is a wonderful artist and a bright individual in the Star Wars fan community.

Tell us about yourself.Hi! I’m kayardia, and I’m from London. Art has always been a big hobby of mine, mostly for my own enjoyment, relaxation, and to follow in the footsteps of my dad–he paints, I draw. I really enjoy fan art, which I discovered over a year ago. Since then, I’ve been on a roller coaster that only goes up!

When and how did you become a Star Wars fan?
My uncle is a HUGE Star Wars fan, and by that, I mean huge. Even when I was little, I’d sneak up to his room to get the Star Wars toys in the cupboard. The first Star Wars movie I ever saw was the Empire Strikes Back, which is still my favourite, though I always had a soft spot for Attack of the Clones! I’ve always loved both sides of Star Wars, prequels and original trilogy, and even though the original trilogy has a special place in my heart, the prequels were what I grew up with going to the cinema as a kid. It was only when I became 12 that I really started drawing fan art, and ever since then, it’s just progressed from there.

What tools do you use to create your art?
I use Photoshop CS5 and my iPad, and sometimes, markers/pastels for paper drawings.

What is your favourite Star Wars piece that you have created and why are you fond of it?
I think it has to be either the “Blue Skies” picture of Ezra I did or the “In Memory of Padmé – Sunny Days“. The former because it was the first time I actually felt proud of my art and started to get more confident with it, and the latter because it was quite emotional for me to draw Padmé just smiling and laughing at Anakin in that scene where she rolls around on the grass in Attack of the Clones. So many feels!

What’s the best and most difficult thing about being an artist?
For me, the best thing is that I get to express my love of art–of Star Wars–and that I can just expand my imagination and knowledge of art as a whole and share it with people. That’s why Sabine is one of my favourite characters in the Star Wars universe, because I can really connect with her.

The hard part is that you think “it’s not good enough” or “I’m a horrible artist”, and I hate it when I or anyone else feels that way, as if you’ve done something wrong when you draw. Sometimes, the hate you get for a piece of art can be tough, too. What people need to realise is that all art is beautiful and perfect in its own way, and you can’t give up if you’re afraid of failure. You just need to work hard, keep it up, and carry on drawing!

Star Wars Rebels has ended it’s first season. What are your thoughts? How do you think this series will progress?The first time I saw Rebels, I was actually making a Star Wars LEGO with my little sister (never grow up, right?), and then, out of nowhere this blue haired, dark skinned boy was perched on a tower on the television. I saw it was Star Wars and I kind of spontaneously combusted! After watching Spark of Rebellion, I phoned up my uncle and said, “You have got to watch this show. Like, right now.” I think Rebels has become one of my favourite shows since Avatar: The Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra, and it can only get better from here! I always had a soft spot for Ezra in particular and I am rooting for the kid. Protect the blueberry, as the fandom says.

Are you looking forward to he future of Star Wars films? After watching the teaser trailer for The Force Awakens, what are your hopes or worries?I am EXTREMELY excited for The Force Awakens, and I can’t wait for the first trailer when I go see Avengers: Age of Ultron! I have high hopes, and I bet I won’t be disappointed.

Any final thoughts?I owe it to George Lucas. Star Wars got me into art, and without art, I doubt I’d be the person I am today. Star Wars has inspired me since I was a kid, and my interest in it won’t ever stop. To all the new artists out there like me, don’t ever stop, carry on and may the Force be with you!

I’m so touched by your supporting words to other artists! All art is beautiful, and I truly love yours! Looking forward to seeing more art from you, especially with the second season of Star Wars Rebels coming soon! May the Force be with you, kayardia!

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